Robotic watchdog: Secret Service deploys Spot at Mar‑a-Lago

In recent days, videos have appeared in the media showing the robot Spot on the grounds of the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Reuters recently reported that security measures at his residence were significantly enhanced after Trump's victory in the presidential elections.

The Secret Service declined to answer the BBC's questions regarding the specifics of the robot's use and how long it has been in service. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi only assured that "Safeguarding the president-elect is a top priority," and explained that the robot is "equipped with surveillance technology, and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations."

The robot's manufacturer, Boston Dynamics, confirmed the Secret Service's use of Spot. Available materials show that the robot is equipped with cameras generating a three-dimensional map of the environment and thermal sensors. According to the BBC, Spot can patrol a larger area than a human, can climb stairs, move in tight spaces, and even open doors.

Despite advanced technology, the robotic dog still requires human control. As the BBC explains, Spot is operated by an operator using a joystick and moves automatically along a pre-programmed route. Unlike a live dog or a human, the robot is not distracted by sounds, smells, or sights.

Political scientist Melissa Michelson from Menlo College in California, quoted by the BBC, compared robotic dogs to driver assistance systems in cars, emphasising that they also rely on human input. "We still do need those humans behind the scenes to use human judgment and be able to jump in if there’s a technology breakdown," the researcher stated.